2 men file claims after Anaheim unrest

ANAHEIM – Two men filed claims Friday against the city for injuries and emotional distress suffered while protesting the fatal shooting of Manuel Diaz by Anaheim police in July.

The claims for $1 million each were filed by Victor Gonzalez and Jesus Reyna, 22, both of Anaheim. A claim is typically the first step leading to a lawsuit against a city.

Diaz, 25, of Santa Ana was shot and killed by Anaheim police on July 21 in the 700 block of North Anna Drive. Police have said Diaz was a known gang member and was running from authorities before he was shot. Some witnesses on Anna Drive have told another story, saying that his shooting was unjustified.

Following the shooting, residents of Anna Drive gathered at the scene and Anaheim officers fired bean bags and pepper spray into a crowd that according to police, began throwing bottles and rocks at officers. Also, a police dog accidentally escaped from an officer's vehicle and rushed into the crowd, biting demonstrators in an attack caught on video, police said.

In the claims, attorney James Segall-Gutierrez says Gonzalez and Reyna were protesting the shooting of their friend and neighbor when officers fired rubber bullets into the crowd. Gonzalez was struck and suffered "emotional distress." Reyna was shot by rubber bullets and suffered injuries to his right arm.

"They decided to file (claims) because they are sick and tired of the harassment and the brutality of police and they were injured," Segall-Gutierrez said following a news conference in front of City Hall.

Anaheim officials confirmed that the city attorney was reviewing the claims.